Welcome back to Eyes on Gilead, our weekly podcast dedicated The Handmaid’s Tale. There’s a LOT going on in this show and we think it helps to talk it out after every episode. Today, we are recapping episodes 1 and 2 of season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale. Be sure to watch both episodes, as we will analyse them back-to-back. Spoilers, obviously. In these episodes: On the run after the end of Season 3, an injured June and the fugitive Handmaids find refuge at a farm, where the 14-year-old Wife nurses...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr
The wait is almost over. The first episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season 4 will premiere in Australia on SBS and at SBS On Demand on Thursday 29 April, so you know what that means: we are coming back to talk it out after every episode. Join Fiona, Natalie, Haidee and Sana as they dive deep, recapping every episode of The Handmaid’s Tale's long-awaited fourth season. This year, they’ll be joined by special guests, as some of the stars and the creators of the show, stop by to give even more insig...
Apr 22, 2021•3 min
Margaret Atwood has returned to the story of 'The Handmaid's Tale' with her new book, 'The Testaments', and the team from Eyes on Gilead is reuniting for a book club edition of the podcast. Join Fiona, Natalie, Haidee, Sana (and yes, Baby Greta), as they examine: How does the story wrap up? Is it a fitting fall for Gilead? Can we ever look at certain characters in the same way, as we watch future seasons of 'The Handmaid's Tale'? THIS EPISODE CONTAINS MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS FOR 'THE TESTAMENTS'.
Sep 19, 2019•1 hr
'The Testaments', the long-awaited sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' is finally out, and the team from Eyes on Gilead is reuniting for a special book club edition of our podcast. Get busy reading! We'll be popping back into your podcast feed very soon.
Sep 10, 2019•2 min
In a supersized season finale podcast, the Eyes On Gilead team - Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee – are joined by several hundred 'Handmaid’s Tale' super fans and fellow resistors (...and one Aunt Lydia) to look back over season 3: we indulge in wild speculation about what fate awaits June when we return for season 4; we scrutinise Serena's storyline; and there's a meeting of the Nick Blaine Appreciation Society. An audience Q&A keeps us all on our toes, we break some news about the future of Eye...
Aug 22, 2019•2 hr 32 min
We have just watched episode 13 of season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale and are ready with our immediate reactions. It's the season finale, and it's called 'Mayday': With her plan in place, June reaches the point of no return on her bold strike against Gilead and must decide how far she's willing to go; Serena Joy and Commander Waterford attempt to find their way forward in their new lives. Sure it's the finale but we're not ready to say goodbye just yet. We're saving plenty for our next show, a live...
Aug 15, 2019•40 min
We have just watched episode 12 of season 3 of 'The Handmaids Tale'. The penultimate episode of the season! This one is called 'Sacrifice': Gilead leadership is rocked by losses among their own. Luke and Moira adjust to new arrivals in Canada. June worries about disruptions to her plan, only to have tragedy strike the entire household. Rita makes a rare appearance and we have Amanda Brugel on the show, to talk about the Marthas network, about her odd closeness with Serena this year, and her own ...
Aug 08, 2019•51 min
In a special episode of Eyes On Gilead, Handmaid's Tale showrunner Bruce Miller makes a return appearance, to answer our pressing questions about season three. What was the deal with Ofmatthew? And Winslow? And Winslow and Fred? He offers brilliant insights into what has gone into making the third season, and looks ahead to the fourth. And he also has some news about Margaret Atwood's sequel, 'The Testaments'. This is a must-listen for all fans of The Handmaid's Tale, as we rocket towards the se...
Aug 04, 2019•35 min
We have just watched episode 11 of season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale, which is called 'Liars': June must rely on an unpredictable Commander Lawrence to execute her plan, but a terrifying return to a place from June’s past puts everything in jeopardy; Serena Joy and Commander Waterford take a clandestine trip. SO much is happening in this episode, as we race towards the season finale. It's a good one, so let's unpack it.
Aug 01, 2019•40 min
We have just watched episode 10 of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, which is called 'Bear Witness': Ready to strike back at her oppressors, June starts making arrangements for an ambitious plan, but a devious ploy on the part of Commander Waterford threatens to derail her. This is a big episode for Commander Fred Waterford, so it's fitting that this week we feature an interview with Joseph Fiennes. We get some incredible insights into what insights he brings to Fred. You won't want to miss it. With...
Jul 25, 2019•54 min
We have just watched episode 9 of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, which is called 'Heroic': Confined in a hospital, June’s sanity begins to fray, and an encounter with Serena Joy forces June to reassess her recent actions. We all have complicated feelings about this episode, and about the treatment of the character of Ofmatthew. There is a lot to unpack in this one, so let's get to it.
Jul 18, 2019•38 min
We have just watched episode 8 of season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called 'Unfit'. In this episode: June and the rest of the Handmaids shun Ofmatthew, and both are pushed to their limit at the hands of Aunt Lydia; Aunt Lydia reflects on her life and relationships before the rise of Gilead. We got the Aunt Lydia backstory that we've been craving for almost three seasons. Was it worth waiting for? And let's talk about Ofmatthew's story arc: Natalie has theory, and wonders if we got a tiny...
Jul 11, 2019•43 min
We have just watched episode 7 of The Handmaid's Tale season three, which is called 'Under His Eye'. In this episode: June escalates her risky efforts to find Hannah, and her efforts have tragic consequences; Emily must face her past crimes as the ongoing international diplomatic crisis becomes more complicated; and Serena and Fred contemplate their future in Washington. This is a gruesome episode that shows how efficient Gilead has become at killing people, and boundaries are coming down in the...
Jul 04, 2019•57 min
Episode 6 of season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale offers a grim glimpse at the future of Gilead, and we need to talk about it. In 'Household': Fred and Serena ramp up their efforts to negotiate for the return of baby Nichole; June and Nick are reunited (but it doesn't feel so good); June makes an important connection as she attempts to protect Nichole; and Aunt Lydia seems rattled by the way they do things in D.C. This week we hear from costume designer Natalie Bronfman, who explains the design behin...
Jun 27, 2019•48 min
We have just watched episode 5 of season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called Unknown Caller: June and Serena grapple with the revelation that Luke is caring for Nichole in Canada, leading to an incident that will have far-reaching ramifications. This episode challenges our opinions about Serena Joy, and we have very different reactions. This is a very big episode with big feelings, and especially for Yvonne Strahovski, who features in an interview about the events of this episode, and what...
Jun 20, 2019•53 min
Join Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee as they recap The Handmaid's Tale season 3, episode 4, 'God Bless the Child', in which: June negotiates a truce in the Waterfords’ fractured relationship; Janine oversteps with the Putnam family; and a still-healing Aunt Lydia offers a brutal public punishment. Also, we catch up with Emily in Canada, to see how she is coping - or not - with her trauma and reconnecting with her loved ones. There's a lot going on in this episode, so let's get into it.
Jun 13, 2019•44 min
It's time to recap the events of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, episode 3, 'Watch Out', which reveals more of the curious character of Commander Lawrence, and his changing attitudes towards the women of his household. Bradley Whitford features in this week's episode* to provide unique insight into what makes the architect of the colonies tick. 'Watch Out' synopsis: June navigates a meeting where she must face both Commander Waterford and Nick. Serena Joy attempts to recuperate at her mother’s hom...
Jun 06, 2019•58 min
It's the premiere of The Handmaid's tale season three! We have truly been sent good weather. Join Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee as they recap the first two episodes: 'Night' and 'Mary and Martha'. In these episodes: June helps Marthas with a dangerous task while navigating a relationship with her pious and untrustworthy new walking partner; Emily and Luke struggle with their altered circumstances; June navigates a meeting where she must face both Commander Waterford and Nick; Serena Joy attemp...
Jun 06, 2019•55 min
The blessed day is almost upon us: The premiere of The Handmaid's Tale season 3 on SBS. As we count down the days until the return of everyone's favourite dystopian drama, Fiona reveals some of the guests who will be joining us on Eyes On Gilead this season.
May 28, 2019•2 min
We're all on our best behaviour when Aunt Lydia joins us the show this week! 2017 Emmy winner and 2018 Emmy nominee Ann Dowd reflects on THAT finale, and gives us some exclusive insights into what makes Lydia tick. We're not going to say we get backstory, but we're not NOT going to say that, either. It's our final Eyes on Gilead for a little while, so we look back at our favourite moments of this season of The Handmaid's Tale, and speculate about what to expect when it returns next year.
Jul 19, 2018•1 hr 7 min
We have just watched episode 13, which is unlucky for some but mostly for us, because it’s the finale of The Handmaid's Tale! Oh, and it's also not that great for Serena... The death of Eden sheds new light on her character and causes the women of Gilead to consider the legacy they’re leaving for the next generation of Gilead girls. Emily learns more about her new Commander - and Aunt Lydia gets much more than she bargained for when she pays a house call. The Marthas of Gilead have their moment ...
Jul 12, 2018•45 min
In a special Eyes on Gilead podcast, Fiona, Haidee, and Natalie interview the showrunner of The Handmaid's Tale, Bruce Miller. He offers some great insights into the thinking that goes into making the show and the challenges they face in making it. Miller is a warm, gracious guest and it is a thrill to present this special conversation.
Jul 09, 2018•35 min
We have just watched episode 12, which is called "Postpartum". June becomes Offred once more, and negotiates access to Holly. Nick (yes, he's back!) is rocked by Gilead’s brutal response to a crime. Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house. We meet a new character, and we say goodbye to another one in very dramatic circumstances, and yes, those circumstances bring with them another Gilead ritual. We also have some very big news about an upcoming guest on our show.
Jul 05, 2018•43 min
We have just watched episode 11, which is called Holly. As Serena and Fred deal with the fallout of their actions towards ‘Offred’ and we get a glimpse at the cracks in their facade, June faces a series of grueling challenges, alone, as she recalls her experiences as a mother. The episode culminates in an incredible scene and please just give Elisabeth Moss her Emmy right now.
Jun 28, 2018•37 min
We have just watched episode 10, which is called The Last Ceremony and you can probably take to have multiple meanings. A false alarm in the baby stakes humiliates Serena, and causes her to punish June and stage a revenge ceremony as a means to bring on the birth. The Commander - belatedly - tries to make amends with 'Offred'. Eden, the sneaky devil, pours her heart out to Nick but gets pushed further away. June is faced with an unexpected reunion. And we end on a cliffhanger, again! We are also...
Jun 21, 2018•47 min
We have just watched episode 9, 'Smart Power’, and there is so much to unpack. The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad. Serena is tempted by the prospect of a life outside Gilead. Luke and Moira grapple with survivor’s guilt. June, nearing her due date, seeks protection for her baby. Nick makes a gesture of love that reignites the fight in our girl June. Talk it out with Fiona, Sana and Natalie.
Jun 14, 2018•32 min
We have just watched episode 8, which is called “Women’s Work’. This week we with see the pros and cons of the women of Gilead banding together, for a little rule breaking. That has negative consequences for Serena and June when the Commander arrives home recuperated and wants his office back. But it has a positive effect elsewhere in the episode when the women of Gilead, from all social classes, decide the ends justify the means when the life of a baby is at stake.
Jun 07, 2018•32 min
We discuss episode 7 of The Handmaid's Tale, 'After', which takes place in the immediate aftermath of the violent uprising by a fed-up Handmaid. We make sense of the power struggle, welcome back old friends, and weigh up what a surprise arrangement between June and Serena might mean for June's long-term prospects.
May 31, 2018•27 min
We discuss episode six of The Handmaid's Tale 'First Blood' and the events that lead up to the spectacular finale. It's an episode that has our panellists incredibly conflicted by how she feels about Serena, a woman who has gone through hardship with a genuine humanity, but also the show's villain. Eyes On Gilead is here to help you process how you're feeling... especially after the closing moments of this episode.
May 24, 2018•26 min
We discuss episode 5 of The Handmaid's Tale 'Seeds' and the disturbing baby shower behaviour that took place in this week's installment. The lack of empathy surrounding Offred, her spirits broken after significant setbacks, reverberates deeply as she looks to find her inner June once more. A creepy wedding only further complicates matters.
May 17, 2018•24 min
